Letters to the Editor for Aug. 24, 2009

Farmers Market open to all

To the editor:

In regards to Iva Mace’s letter to the editor concerning the farmers market: We have talked with vendors and customers as to possible reasons why the market is slow this year; the recession, more people growing their own food and people who participate in food assistance programs not knowing that we accept their cards.

The Board is proud of all our vendors and appreciates our many customers. We have two markets a week to better serve our customers; not everyone can make it on a Saturday and many people go out of town on the weekend. ANYONE who wants to be a vendor of produce and/or crafts can go to the manager’s table and pick up an application.

We decided to hire a manager before the 2008 season because we didn’t have enough volunteers. The few volunteers that we do have have been at it for several years and are getting burnt out. Our market manager has done a fine job. Every Saturday and Wednesday she lays out and sets up the market; helps vendors; answers a multitude of questions from customers and vendors; puts out notifications; deals with state and federal agencies regarding food vouchers and safety and leaves the park clean and well kept. These are just a few of her duties and there are others outside of market days as well. And she does all this with a smile on her face. The job is very diverse, involved, and takes a lot of hours. It is more than a volunteer would be willing to do. Ellie has done her very best for us and our vendors, board and customers appreciate her effort, kindness, generosity and open mind.

If Ms. Mace or anyone else in the community would like to be involved and attend our board meetings they are welcome to. We will begin posting the date, time, and location in both newspapers, on the local radio station, on our Web site (www.bakercityfarmersmarket.org) and at the manager’s table. You may also call Carolyn Lara, board secretary, if you have any questions or concerns.

Amy Young, chair

Carolyn Lara, secretary

Baker City Farmers Market

Government taking control

To the editor:

This is the hardest letter I’ve ever wrote, seeing and talking mostly to those in power, but also those who would let this great country become destroyed. Democrats and Republicans both who put their party ahead of their country. It’s time to be Americans first over party affiliation.

There’s never been a time in history since the Revolutionary War that needs the people to come together for peace, freedom and truth. It’s a short step from citizen to subject. Also, freedom is not free, you must fight and protect it.

A Russian leader (a Communist) said, “America would be taken from the inside without a shot being fired.” Hope he’s wrong. Because we have one in office now. Why so? Many are still asleep in their dream world that they don’t hear government voices becoming louder and louder, and theirs being silenced.

Tea parties are springing up across the country because some have woken up from their sleep and now remember our government is responsible to us, not us to them. We’re waiting for you to wake up also. All are welcome at any tea party. Check them out.

There’s a body in Baker that’s called Americans for Prosperity,” which I’m proud to be a member, which meets at least once a month. We will be circulating two petitions to stop Oregon from forcing a $500 million tax increase without the people’s OK. Your signing will force them to put it to a vote and explain it to the people. Please get involved. I’m also a life member of the NRA, a member of the Minutemen civil defense corps. Both fight for our freedom. I’m also a born-again spirit-filled Christian.

This government needs the prayers of believers like never before. Question: Why are 61 percent of Americans dissatisfied with the direction the government is leading our country? Forty-nine percent oppose Obama’s healthcare plan. Why 1,000 pages? Are they getting into your computer? Want us to tell on each other. One word: control. There’s much more, have to wait til next time.

Richard Fox

Baker City

Stop blaming the parents

To the editor:

After reading two articles that appeared in the paper last night (the 19th) I am absolutely disgusted. It seems to me that salt will continue to be rubbed in these young mothers’ wounds.

I was almost touched to see that a young mother that has had such a horrible experience in motherhood could speak out. Let her story be known. Things that she felt she needed to say. I commend her on that, it must have been hard. Then in the same paper to read that it was basically her fault. My heart goes out to her. For her to have healed enough to do the article then to be slapped in the face like that.

I say these things because I am a young mother. I have a daughter of barely seven weeks. My husband and I try to do what is best for her, what we think is best for her. If anything ever happened to her I would be devastated beyond belief. I don’t necessarily read every day’s obituaries, but some. For those adults that die of a preventable car accident, lung cancer in a smoker, or even the overweight dying of a heart attack; I have never seen an article that points out the specific parents in these cases, that had they warned their children to wear their seatbelts, not smoke, and watch their weight their child would still be alive. No, I can’t say I have seen that article.

Someone should be very ashamed. To continue to write these articles naming, and basically blaming, the parents. Isn’t it sad enough to read the death notice of a child? Let alone have it drug out like this. The first co-sleeping article should have been the last. My heart goes out to each of the mothers in cases like these. I could never imagine what you must be feeling, and I am sorry that our community is doing this to all of you.

Randi Honsvick

Baker City